WWII E115 The Bloody Prelude: Tulagi and the Road to Guadalcanal
While the main invasion force stormed Guadalcanal, a smaller but equally critical battle unfolded on Tulagi. As Marines waded through chest-deep surf, they found themselves facing an enemy that would not surrender. Fighting through thick jungle and jagged ridgelines, they encountered machine-gun nests, sniper fire, and relentless counterattacks. The battle for Tulagi would turn the island into a brutal proving ground for the Marines.
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This episode follows the approach of Transport Group Yoke towards Tulagi. The initial bombardments by supporting aircraft and naval vessels set the stage for the Marines' landing. Once ashore, we'll discuss the challenging terrain of Tulagi and the tactical advances of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and 2/5, as they navigate the island's ridges and confront enemy forces.
Visualizing the Tulagi WWII Battle
Timestamps in parentheses
Images 1-3 (2:12): These maps show Transport Group Yoke’s advancement towards Tulagi, detailing their landing area and offering an overview of the neighboring islands
Map 4 (7:15): Advancement of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion Towards Phase Line A.
Map 5-6 (11:31): Follows the Marine's advance beyond Phase Line A, heading towards Hills 208 and 281.
Maps 7-8 (17:30): Maps of Gavutu and Tanambogo, location of enemy caves and unit movement
References
Chapin, J. C. (1997). Top of the Ladder: Marine Operations in the Northern Solomons. United States: Marine Corps Historical Center.
Hough, F. O., Crown, J. A. (1952). The Campaign on New Britain. United States: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Melson, C. D. (1993). Up the Slot: Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Mersky, P. B. (1993). Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942-1944. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Rentz, J. N. (1948). Bougainville and the Northern Solomons. United States: Historical Sect., Division of Public Information, Headquarters, Marine Corps.
Rentz, J. N. (1952). Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: Historical Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Shaw, H. I., Kane, D. T. (2013). Isolation of Rabaul: History of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II, Volume II. United States: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Shaw, H. I. (1996). First Offensive: The Marine Campaign for Guadalcanal. (n.p.): DIANE Publishing Company.
Zimmerman, J. L. (1949). The Guadalcanal Campaign. United States: Historic Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps.